Defence

An original concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2010, revising the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal year 2009, and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2011 through 2014.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2009

Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2010, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2009 and FY2011-FY2014. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2009-FY2014 with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits; (5) public debt; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority, outlays, and administrative expenses for Social Security, U.S. Postal Service discretionary administrative expenses, and specified major functional categories for FY2009-FY2014. Provides for certain deficit-neutral reserve funds for legislation for: (1) transforming and modernizing America's health care system; (2) investing in clean energy and preserving the environment; (3) higher education; (4) child nutrition programs and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); (5) investing in America's infrastructure; (6) promoting economic stabilization and growth; (7) America's veterans and wounded servicemembers; (8) revising judicial pay, judgeships, and postal retiree health coverage; (9) defense acquisition and contracting reform; (10) investing in the nation's counties and schools; (11) the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); (12) a Bipartisan Congressional Sunset Commission; (13) revising domestic fuels security; (14) a comprehensive investigation into the current financial crisis; and (15) increased transparency at the Federal Reserve. Establishes specified discretionary spending limits in the Senate. Provides for adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for: (1) continuing disability reviews and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations for the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax enforcement; (3) health care fraud and abuse control; (4) unemployment insurance improper payments reviews; (5) reducing waste in defense contracting; (6) adjustments to support ongoing overseas contingency operations; and (7) revised appropriations for FY2010 if the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) re-estimates the President's request for discretionary spending in FY2010 at an aggregate level different from the CBO preliminary estimate dated March 20, 2009. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any legislation that would: (1) require advanced appropriations, with specified exceptions; or (2) cause a net increase in the deficit in excess of $10 billion in any fiscal year provided for in the most recently adopted budget resolution unless it is fully offset over all such fiscal years, except for measures within the Committee on Appropriations' jurisdiction. Makes it out of order to consider in the Senate any appropriations legislation that includes any provision affecting the Crime Victims Fund which constitutes a change in a mandatory program that would have been estimated as affecting direct spending or receipts under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act) were they included in legislation other than appropriations legislation. Makes it out of order to consider a budget resolution in the Senate unless it contains a specified debt disclosure section.

Setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2010 and including the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2009 and 2011 through 2014.

United States · United States Congress · 27 March 2009

Sets forth the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2010, including the appropriate budgetary levels for FY2009, and FY2011-FY2014. Lists recommended budgetary levels and amounts for FY2009-FY2014 with respect to: (1) federal revenues; (2) new budget authority; (3) budget outlays; (4) deficits (on-budget); (5) debt subject to limit; and (6) debt held by the public. Lists the appropriate levels of new budget authority and outlays for specified major functional categories for FY2009-FY2014. Sets forth reconciliation instructions for the Committees on: (1) Energy and Commerce; (2) Ways and Means; and (3) Education and Labor. Creates certain deficit-neutral reserve funds, subject to specified conditions, for legislation concerning: (1) health care reform; (2) college access, affordability, and completion; (3) an increase in energy independence; (4) America's veterans and servicemembers; (5) certain tax relief; (6) a 9/11 health program; (7) child nutrition; (8) structural unemployment insurance reforms; (9) child support; (10) the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; (11) home visiting for certain individuals and families; and (12) a low-income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP) trigger. Creates a reserve fund, subject to specified conditions, for legislation concerning reauthorization of surface transportation programs. Creates a current policy reserve fund, subject to specified conditions, for legislation concerning: (1) Medicare improvements; (2) middle-class tax relief; (3) Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) reform; and (4) the Estate and Gift Tax. Prescribes adjustments for direct spending and revenues to maintain such current policy reserves, only if certain conditions and pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) requirements are met. Authorizes adjustments for the LIHEAP program, and prescribes other adjustments for the deposit insurance guarantee commitment (in effect as of the enactment of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 [EESA]). Authorizes or prescribes adjustments to discretionary spending limits, budgetary aggregates, and allocations for: (1) continuing disability reviews, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations, and SSI asset verification by the Social Security Administration (SSA); (2) Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax compliance; (3) the health care fraud and abuse control program; (4) unemployment insurance improper payments reviews; and (5) a Partnership Fund for Program Integrity Innovation in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). States that new budget authority, outlays, and receipts resulting from adoption of legislation making appropriations for FY2009-FY2010 for overseas deployments and related activities, or appropriations for discretionary spending to meet emergency needs, shall not count for certain purposes of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 (CBA). Prohibits House legislation that would require advance appropriations, except certain FY2011 or FY2012 programs, projects, activities, or accounts. Declares the policy of this resolution on: (1) middle-income tax relief and revenues; and (2) defense priorities. Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives on: (1) veterans' and servicemembers' health care; (2) homeland security; (3) American innovation and economic competitiveness; (4) pay parity; (5) college affordability; (6) Great Lakes restoration; and (7) the importance of child support enforcement.

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-33]FUTURE ROLES AND MISSIONS OF THE MISSILE DEFENSE AGENCY

United States · United States House of Representatives · 26 March 2009

National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2010

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009

National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2009 - Establishes the National Criminal Justice Commission to undertake a comprehensive review of the criminal justice system. Directs the Commission to: (1) review all areas of federal and state criminal justice costs, practices, and policies; (2) make specified findings relating to incarceration, prison administration, the impact of gang activity, drug policy, mental illness among prisoners and the role of the military in crime prevention; (3) make recommendations for changes in policies and laws to address findings; (4) consult with government and nongovernmental leaders, including state and local law enforcement officials; and (5) submit a final report to Congress and the President and make such report public.

Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009

Veterans' Insurance and Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to grant level-premium term life insurance to veterans under age 65 with service-connected disabilities. Increases from $20,000 to $30,000 the maximum amount of supplemental insurance provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for totally disabled veterans. Removes a condition on the qualification of certain individuals for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury coverage under Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance. Increases the maximum loan guarantee amount under the veterans' mortgage life insurance program from $90,000 to $150,000, then to $200,000 after January 1, 2012. Establishes an annual cost-of-living adjustment for the temporary payment of dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) to a veteran's surviving spouse with one or more children under the age of 18. Provides eligibility requirements for the payment of a special monthly pension based on disability for veterans who already qualify for a service pension based upon age. Increases amounts of DIC payable to surviving spouses and parents of deceased veterans. Increases, and authorizes the annual adjustment of, pension amounts payable to hospitalized veterans and certain children of veterans of a period of war. Authorizes and directs the Secretary to pay a: (1) supplemental benefit for the funeral and burial expenses of veterans, making such amount $900 with respect to a non-service-connected death and $2,100 with respect to a service-connected death; and (2) supplemental burial plot allowance for veterans eligible for the current allowance. Authorizes the provision of specially adapted housing assistance for disabled veterans whose disability is due to a severe burn injury. Authorizes the Secretary to pay a supplemental benefit, for assistance in the purchase of automobiles and other conveyances, for disabled veterans currently eligible for such assistance.

Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009

Civil Access to Justice Act of 2009 - Amends the Legal Services Corporation Act to reauthorize the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) at increased levels for FY2010-FY2015. Requires the LSC Board of Directors to include at least one individual with financial or audit experience. Eliminates state advisory councils. Requires the LSC to establish: (1) a protocol for the receipt of donations; (2) an audit committee, a finance committee, and a governance and performance review committee; (3) a continuity of operations plan; and (4) an adequate internal control structure and procedures for financial reporting. Requires the LSC to promote recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff members for all grantees, contractees, or recipients of financial assistance through the Pilot Loan Repayment Assistance Program or other appropriate programs. Limits the coverage of prohibited purpose provisions of federal law only to recipient use of funds from the LSC itself. (Thus lifts such restrictions, except those related to abortion litigation, on the use of state and local funds and private donations.) Permits only class action suits arising under established state or federal statutory or established judicial case law. Revises eligibility requirements for LSC grantees and funds recipients, extending specific eligibility to those seeking assistance with matters relating to home foreclosure or mortgage default or delinquency. Requires distribution of LSC funds on the basis of a system of competitive bidding, as well as specific allocations for all geographic areas, Native American communities, and migrant and seasonal farm workers. Prohibits the use of LSC funds to provide legal assistance with respect to: (1) litigation relating to prison conditions; (2) the defense of an individual in a proceeding to evict him or her from a public housing project in connection with a drug offense; or (3) all but certain aliens. Authorizes the LSC to allow use of a portion of the funds provided under the grant or contract to acquire and develop information technology to promote full access to high-quality, efficient legal representation and materials for self-representation. Allows the use of LSC funds to provide legal assistance with respect to any fee-generating case (which is currently prohibited), but only if the recipient's attorney reports on the representation and the amount of fees awarded. Directs the LSC to require an audit of each recipient in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Education to enter into grants or contracts with accredited law schools in the states for the purpose of paying up to 90% of the costs of expanding or establishing clinical experience programs in such schools.

A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to provide for continuity of TRICARE Standard coverage for certain members of the Retired Reserve.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009

Makes a member of the Retired Reserve who is qualified for a non-regular (reserve) retirement at age 60, but is not yet 60, eligible for health benefits under TRICARE Standard (a Department of Defense [DOD] managed health care program for members of the reserves). Terminates such eligibility when the member becomes eligible for TRICARE Standard at age 60. Includes immediate family members under such coverage. Requires members to pay a premium for such coverage.

21st Century Cancer ALERT (Access to Life-Saving Early detection, Research and Treatment) Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009

21st Century Cancer ALERT (Access to Life-Saving Early detection, Research and Treatment) Act - Amends the Public Health Service Act to revise provisions related to the National Cancer Program, including to require the establishment of an entity within the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to augment ongoing efforts to advance new technologies in cancer research, support the national collection of tissues for cancer research purposes, and ensure the quality of tissue collection. Sets forth provisions governing clinical trials, including ethical and privacy standards. Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for research on cancers with a low five-year survival rate and rare cancers. Expands coverage of colorectal screenings, including through providing grants and allowing states to provide coverage for such screenings under Medicaid. Provides for biomarkers research. Amends the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to prohibit a group health plan from discriminating against participants and beneficiaries participating in cancer clinical trials. Sets forth provisions regarding retirement pay for nurses retiring from the Armed Forces. Requires the Secretary to study the current and future cancer care workforce needs. Prohibits the Secretary from awarding patient navigator grants unless entities provide assurances that patient navigators meet minimum core proficiencies. Provides for coverage under Medicare for payment of routine costs of care furnished to individuals participating in cancer clinical trials. Requires the Secretary to conduct a demonstration project under which payment for comprehensive cancer care planning services will be made under Medicare. Provides for coverage of tobacco cessation products. Provides for research on cancer survivorship related to childhood cancer and health disparities in outcomes. Requires the Secretary to convene a Workforce Development Collaborative on Psychosocial Care During Chronic Medical Illness.

Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009

Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to specify duty of care standards for originators of residential mortgages. Prohibits steering incentives in connection with origination of mortgage loans. Directs the federal banking agencies to prohibit or condition terms, acts, or practices relating to residential mortgage loans that are abusive, unfair, deceptive, predatory, inconsistent with reasonable underwriting standards, or not in the interest of the borrower. Prescribes minimum standards for residential mortgage loans, including a mandatory net tangible benefit to the consumer for refinancing a residential mortgage loan. Subjects a creditor to civil actions for rescission of a residential mortgage loan in the case of specified abuses. Limits the liability of good faith assignees or securitizers of a residential mortgage loan to loan rescission and certain other obligor costs. Permits a consumer to assert a right to mortgage loan rescission as a defense to foreclosure. Prohibits specified practices, including: (1) certain prepayment penalties; (2) single premium credit insurance; (3) mandatory arbitration (except for reverse mortgages); (4) mortgage loan provisions that waive a statutory cause of action by the consumer; and (5) mortgages with negative amortization. Sets forth certain tenant protections in the case of foreclosure. Increases civil money penalties for certain violations. Exempts a creditor, assignee, or securitizer from liability and rescission in the case of borrower fraud or deception. Requires a six-month notice before a hybrid adjustable rate mortgage is reset. Requires federal banking agencies to prescribe regulations requiring any creditor that makes a residential mortgage loan that is not a qualified mortgage to retain an economic interest in a material portion of the credit risk if the creditor transfers, sells, or conveys such loan that to a third party. Prescribes mandatory disclosures in monthly statements for residential mortgage loans. Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a grants program to provide legal assistance to low- and moderate-income homeowners and tenants regarding home ownership preservation, foreclosure prevention, and tenancy associated with home foreclosure. Prohibits a high-cost mortgage from containing: (1) a scheduled payment that is more than twice as large as the average of earlier scheduled payments (balloon payments); or (2) a provision which authorizes creditor discretion to accelerate the indebtedness. Prohibits a creditor from: (1) lending without due regard of the mortgagor's ability to repay; (2) recommending or encouraging default on an existing loan or other debt before, and in connection with, the actual or planned closing of a high-cost mortgage that refinances all or any portion of such existing loan or debt; (3) taking action in connection with a high-cost mortgage to structure a loan transaction as either an open-end credit plan or another form of loan in order to evade this Act; or (4) engaging in the unfair act or practice of flipping in connection with a high-cost mortgage. Imposes certain limits and conditions on the charging of late payment charges. Establishes pre-loan mortgagor counseling as a prerequisite to a high-cost mortgage. Expand and Preserve Home Ownership Through Counseling Act - Establishes within HUD the Office of Housing Counseling. Amends the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 to require the Secretary to: (1) prescribe counseling procedures; and (2) provide financial assistance to state and local governments and nonprofit organizations offering homeownership or rental counseling. Directs the Secretary to study and report to Congress on the root causes of home loan defaults and foreclosures. Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 to: (1) direct the Secretary to prepare a mortgage information booklet to help applicants for federally related mortgage loans understand the nature and costs of real estate settlement services; and (2) set forth specified servicer prohibitions. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require a creditor, in connection with a consumer credit transaction secured by a first lien on a principal dwelling, to: (1) establish an escrow or impound account in a federally insured depository institution for the payment of taxes, hazard insurance, and other specified required periodic payments; and (2) provide specified disclosures to a consumer who waives the escrow service. Directs the Secretary to study and report to certain congressional committees on the fraud and abuse potential of certain mortgage servicing practices. Specifies property appraisal requirements. Makes unlawful certain unfair and deceptive practices relating to a consumer credit transaction secured by the consumer's principal dwelling. Amends the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 with respect to appraisal subcommittee, appraiser independence, and approved appraiser education. Directs the Comptroller General to study possible improvements in the appraisal process. Amends the Equal Credit Opportunity Act to condition the requirement that a creditor furnish a mortgage applicant with a copy of all property appraisal reports upon a specific written request by the applicant.

Recognizing the crucial role of assistance dogs in helping wounded veterans live more independent lives, expressing gratitude to The Tower of Hope, and supporting the goals and ideals of creating a Tower of Hope Day.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009

Acknowledges the importance of assistance dogs in helping combat-wounded veterans live happier and more independent lives. Applauds the work of the Tower of Hope in providing such dogs to such veterans. Expresses gratitude and support to volunteers and donors who offer time and funds to such program. Encourages the public to support wounded veterans by volunteering or donating to help train assistance dogs. Calls for the vigorous promotion of the benefits of assistance animals. Supports creation of a Tower of Hope Day in honor of wounded veterans and their service dogs, the work of the Tower of Hope, and the many generous donors.

Supporting the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009

Supports the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month.

Expressing the sense of Congress that a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the Navy, either the aircraft carrier designated as CVN-79 or the aircraft carrier designated as CVN-80, should be named the U.S.S. Barry M. Goldwater.

United States · United States Congress · 26 March 2009

Declares that it is the sense of Congress that a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, either the carrier designated CVN-79 or the carrier designated CVN-80, should be named the U.S.S. Barry M. Goldwater.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 25 March 2009

A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery for veterans in southern Colorado region, and for other purposes.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2009

Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a national cemetery in El Paso County, Colorado.

Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2009

Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to issue guidance for the provision of an in-person mental health screening for each member of the Armed Forces deployed in connection with a contingency operation, in order to identify post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal tendencies, and other behavioral health issues for which additional care and treatment may be necessary. Excludes from such screenings members not subjected or exposed to combat stress during their deployment. Requires the Secretary to share screening results with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in order to ensure continuity of mental health care and treatment for such members during their transition from health care and treatment provided by the Department of Defense (DOD) to health care and treatment provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Far South Texas Veterans Medical Center Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2009

Far South Texas Veterans Medical Center Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to construct a major medical facility project in Far South Texas, consisting of a full-service Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital, to meet the health care needs of veterans residing in such area.

PTSD/TBI Guaranteed Review For Heroes Act

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2009

PTSD/TBI Guaranteed Review for Heroes Act - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish a special review board to review the discharge or dismissal (other than one by a sentence of a general court-martial) of a member of the Armed Forces who: (1) was deployed in support of a contingency operation; (2) was discharged or dismissed under a general or other than honorable condition; and (3) has been diagnosed by a health care professional with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Authorizes the board to undertake a review upon the request of the individual, their surviving spouse, next of kin, or legal representative, or a Member of Congress. Requires a review request to be made within 15 years of a discharge or dismissal. Authorizes the board, after a review, to change the discharge or dismissal of the individual to honorable. Requires the Secretary of the military department concerned to correct the military records of the individual in accordance with such change. Requires, if an appropriate health care official determines in an examination that a member who was deployed in support of a contingency operation has (or may have) PTSD or a TBI, the Secretary concerned to: (1) refer the member for an evaluation by a physical evaluation board; and (2) not separate the member until after considering the results of the evaluation.

Raising a question of the privileges of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 25 March 2009

Requires the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, or a designated investigative subcommittee, to begin immediately an investigation and report to the House on the relationship between: (1) the source and timing of past contributions to Members of the House related to the raided prominent defense-lobbying firm; and (2) earmark requests made by Members on behalf of the firm's clients.

[H.A.S.C. No. 111-29]DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: AHLTA IS ``INTOLERABLE,''WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

United States · United States House of Representatives · 24 March 2009

To amend title 10, United States Code, to reduce the minimum age for receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service from 60 to 55.

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2009

Reduces from 60 to 55 the minimum age for the receipt of military retired pay for non-regular service.

Veterans Transitional Assistance Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2009

Veterans Transitional Assistance Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense to establish in the Department of Defense (DOD) the Office of Technical Assistance to carry out the Secretary's responsibilities of establishing and operating a wounded warrior resource (support) center, as required under the Wounded Warrior Act. Requires the Office, upon the discharge or release of a member of the Armed Forces, to transmit the member's service record and contact information to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs who shall in turn contact and provide such person necessary information to apply for any benefits to which the person may be entitled through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that commissioned officers who serve in a reserve component of the Armed Forces are able to retire in the highest grade in which they have successfully served.

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2009

Allows an individual to elect to receive retired pay for non-regular (reserve) service upon retirement for service performed in an active reserve status after attaining eligibility for regular retirement, as long as the individual successfully completes at least two years of active reserve status service. Allows the Secretary of the military department concerned to reduce the two-year active reserve status requirement in certain cases. Requires the recomputation of reserve retired pay and, if appropriate, the adjustment of the retired grade of reserve retirees to reflect the successful completion of at least two years of post-retirement service in an active reserve status.

House Reservists Pay Adjustment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2009

House Reservists Pay Adjustment Act of 2009 - Requires the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the House of Representatives to pay an eligible House employee, who is also a member of a Reserve component of the Armed Forces, for each active duty month the amount by which the employee's regular compensation from the House would have exceeded (if at all) the total monthly military compensation paid to the employee for the active duty month by the Secretary of Defense. Limits employee eligibility for such adjusted compensation to those employed by the House each day of the 90 days ending on the day on which the employee reports for active duty under an involuntary mobilization order. Requires the CAO to reduce the amount of any payment to such employee for an active duty month by the amount of any pay and allowances received by the individual from any other source as replacement of lost income. Prohibits the CAO from making a required payment under this Act unless the payment, taking into account any reduction, is at least $50. Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to declare that nothing in such Rule may be construed to prohibit the disbursement or receipt of any payment authorized under this Act. Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriation Act, 1955 to declare that nothing in the Act may be construed to prohibit the CAO from paying a gratuity to the widow, widower, or heirs-at-law of a House employee who dies during an active duty month.

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that all Americans should participate in a moment of silence to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces both at home and abroad.

United States · United States Congress · 24 March 2009

Expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that all Americans should participate in a moment of silence (on March 26, 2009, National Support Our Troops Day) to reflect upon the service and sacrifice of members of the U.S. Armed Forces both at home and abroad.

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act

United States · United States Congress · 23 March 2009

Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act - Prohibits, in any case arising out of the administration of laws and benefits by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, considering any person who is mentally incapacitated, deemed mentally incompetent, or experiencing an extended loss of consciousness from being considered adjudicated as a mental defective for purposes of the right to receive or transport firearms without the order or finding of a judge, magistrate, or other judicial authority of competent jurisdiction that such person is a danger to himself or herself or others.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR 2010

United States · United States House of Representatives · 19 March 2009

Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009 - Establishes in the Treasury the Merchant Mariner Equity Compensation Fund for payments by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of a monthly benefit of $1,000 to each individual who, between December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, was a documented member of the U.S. merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) serving as a crewmember of a vessel that was operated in U.S. waters by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation and under contract to, or the property of, the United States. Requires such individuals to: (1) apply for such benefit before October 1, 2009; and (2) not have received benefits under the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944.

Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009 - Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay travel expenses for veterans receiving treatment at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities at the rate of 41.5 cents per mile. (Under current law the rate is that provided to federal employees in connection with the performance of official duties.) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish and operate at least one and up to five centers of excellence for rural health research, education, and clinical activities; (2) establish a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to veterans in highly rural areas; (3) carry out demonstration projects to examine alternatives for expanding care for veterans in rural areas; (4) establish a program to provide peer support, readjustment, and mental health services to veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom (and related services to their family members); (5) assign an Indian Veterans Health Care Coordinator for each of the ten VA facilities that serve communities with the greatest per capita number of Indian veterans; (6) report to Congress jointly with the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the advisability of the joint establishment and operation by the VA's Veterans Health Administration and the Indian Health Service of health clinics to serve populations of Indian reservations, including Indian veterans; and (7) report annually to Congress on matters related to VA care for veterans residing in rural areas.

A bill to amend title 32, United States Code, to modify the Department of Defense share of expenses under the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Amends the National Guard Youth Challenge Program (a training program to improve life skills and employment potential of civilian youth participants) to increase the Department of Defense (DOD) share of expenses to: (1) 100% of operating costs, in the first two years of a state program of the Program; and (2) 75% of operating costs, in the case of any other state program of the Program.

National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2009 - Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 to back-date to September 11, 2001, the period of active duty or performed active service, in support of a contingency operation or in other emergency situations, for which members of Ready Reserve components of the Armed Forces shall receive credit in determining eligibility for early receipt of non-regular service retired pay.

Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Federal Death Penalty Abolition Act of 2009 - Repeals death penalty provisions for a wide range of homicide-related offenses under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the federal criminal code, the Controlled Substances Act, and other statutes relating to aircraft hijacking, espionage and treason, and offenses punished under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Prohibits the sentencing to death or execution of any person for any violation of federal law after the enactment of this Act. Commutes death penalties imposed prior to the enactment of this Act to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Health Care for Members of the Armed Forces Exposed to Chemical Hazards Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Defense, for each occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern, to establish and administer a registry of members and former members of the Armed Forces who were exposed to such hazard in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Requires the Secretary to: (1) notify a member or former member who may have been exposed to such a hazard; and (2) provide a complete physical and medical examination of such individual. Directs the Secretary to enter into an agreement with the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies for the Institute of Medicine under which the Institute, for each incident of exposure reported in a registry, shall review and summarize the scientific evidence, and assess the strength thereof, concerning the association between the exposure to such hazard and acute and long-term health consequences of such exposure. Requires the Institute to: (1) make recommendations for necessary additional scientific studies; and (2) conduct periodic subsequent reviews of such evidence. Requires members and former members listed in registries to be notified of any conclusive determinations with respect to such exposure, as well as any other significant related developments. Makes any veteran who was exposed in the line of duty to an occupational and environmental health chemical hazard of particular concern eligible for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for any disability, notwithstanding insufficient medical evidence to conclude that the disability may be associated with such exposure.

To direct the Secretary of Defense to notify members of the Armed Forces and State military departments of exposure to potentially harmful materials and contaminants.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Requires the Secretary of Defense: (1) in the case of a member of the Armed Forces who is exposed to a potentially harmful material or contaminant, to notify the member of such exposure and any associated health risks; and (2) in the case of a member of a reserve component, to also notify the state military department of that member. Directs the Secretary, if such a determination is made while a member is deployed, to notify the member while the member is so deployed.

Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Nuclear Disarmament and Economic Conversion Act of 2009 - Requires the U.S. Government to: (1) disable and dismantle all its nuclear weapons and refrain from replacing them at any time with weapons of mass destruction; (2) undertake vigorous good faith efforts to eliminate war, armed conflict, and all military operations; (3) actively promote policies to induce all other countries to join in these commitments for world peace and security; and (4) redirect resources that are currently being used for nuclear weapons programs to constructive, ecologically beneficial peacetime activities and to address human and infrastructure needs such as housing, health care, education, agriculture, and environmental restoration. Makes this Act effective when the President certifies to Congress that all foreign countries possessing nuclear weapons have established legal requirements comparable to those set forth in this Act.

Honor the WISH Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Honor the Written Intent of our Soldier Heroes Act or Honor the WISH Act - Includes, as a person authorized to direct disposition of the remains of a member of the Armed Forces who dies while on active duty, the person identified by the decedent on the record of emergency data maintained by the Secretary of the military department concerned as the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition, regardless of the relationship of the designee to the decedent.

Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Support Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Civil Air Patrol Homeland Security Support Act of 2009 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (the Secretary) to enter into agreements with the Secretary of Defense to use Civil Air Patrol personnel and resources to support homeland security missions. Authorizes the Secretary to consider the use of such personnel and resources to provide: (1) aerial reconnaissance or communications capabilities to the Border Patrol to protect against illegal entry and trafficking; and (2) capabilities to respond to an act of terrorism, natural disaster, or other man-made event by assisting in damage assessment and situational awareness, search and rescue operations, evacuations, and transporting time-sensitive materials. Directs the Secretary to consider the Civil Air Patrol as an available resource for purposes of national preparedness and response planning activities.

To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act with respect to the qualification of the director of food services of a Medicare skilled nursing facility or a Medicaid nursing facility.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Amends titles XVIII (Medicare) and XIX (Medicaid) of the Social Security Act to require the full-time director of food services at a Medicare skilled nursing facility (SNF) or a Medicaid nursing facility, if not a qualified dietitian, to be a Certified Dietary Manager meeting the requirements of the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers or have equivalent military or academic qualifications.

To amend title 38, United States Code, to include participation in clean-up operations at Eniwetok Atoll as a radiation-risk activity for purposes of laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Includes participation in clean-up operations at Eniwetok Atoll as a radiation-risk activity for purposes of laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans Healthcare Commitment Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Veterans Healthcare Commitment Act of 2009 - Prohibits anything in current law provisions authorizing the recovery by the United States of the cost of certain medical care and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans for non-service-connected disabilities from allowing the United States to recover or collect any charges from any third party for care or services furnished to a veteran for a service-connected disability.

Military Personnel Income Tax Exclusion Act

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Military Personnel Income Tax Exclusion Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of members of the uniformed services for income tax purposes certain military benefits and basic pay.

VETS Act of 2009

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Veterans' Employment Transition Support Act of 2009 or the VETS Act of 2009- Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a general business tax credit for hiring certain veterans certified by designated local agencies as having served on active duty (other than for training) in the Armed Forces for a period of more than 180 days or having been discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability. Sets the amount of such credit at 40% of the first-year wages of such veterans and increases the percentage of such credit for disabled veterans based upon their disability ratings.

To prohibit the use of funds to transfer individuals detained at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to facilities or locations in Virginia or to house such individuals at such facilities or locations.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Prohibits federal funds from being used to: (1) transfer any individual detained by the United States at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to any facility or location in Virginia; or (2) house any such individual at a Virginia facility or location.

Raising a question of the privileges of the House.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Requires the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, or a designated investigative subcommittee, to begin immediately an investigation and report to the House on the relationship between: (1) the source and timing of past campaign contributions to Members of the House related to Paul Magliocchetti, founder of the raided prominent defense-lobbying firm; and (2) earmark requests made by Members on behalf of the firm's clients.

Expressing the opposition of the House of Representatives to any proposal intended to alter current law to allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to bill third-party insurers of veterans who are being treated for service-connected disabilities or injuries.

United States · United States Congress · 19 March 2009

Opposes any proposal intended to alter current law to allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to bill third-party insurers of veterans being treated for service-connected disabilities or injuries incurred in or aggravated by military service.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 18 March 2009

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FISCAL YEAR 2010 BUDGET

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 March 2009

THE INCIDENCE OF SUICIDES OF UNITED STATES SERVICEMEMBERS AND INITIATIVES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO PREVENT MILITARY SUICIDES

United States · United States Senate · 18 March 2009

STRIKING THE APPROPRIATE BALANCE: THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT'S EXPANDING ROLE IN FOREIGN ASSISTANCE

United States · United States House of Representatives · 18 March 2009

Ashton B. Carter, of Massachusetts, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, vice John J. Young, Jr.

United States · United States Senate · 18 March 2009

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2010

United States · United States Senate · 18 March 2009